SEXY AND SCANDALOUS: Most controversial ‘Sports Illustrated’ swimsuit covers

Article content

There was a time when the most contentious thing a model could do on the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue was to wear something too risque.

Article content

But nowadays, the models themselves are stirring up controversy.

Article content

The latest is German transgender pop star Kim Petras.

Her 2023 cover has sparked outrage among readers who felt as though it was a cruel joke, with some even likening it to Bud Light’s partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Others called out the decision to include Petras in an issue that has historically showcased feminine beauty.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

“This is a form of mind rape,” one reader fumed. “The goal is to trick hetero men into sexual desire for other men … if you don’t like, you are the bad guy.”

However, others supported the singer, calling her “gorgeous, sexy, super curvy.”

Either way, it sure has people talking.

Here are some other notable covers that caused a tizzy.

Article content

Cheryl Tiegs

Tiegs appeared on the cover of the swimsuit issue three times in the ‘70s and ‘80s and was widely considered America’s first supermodel. One of the most controversial photos that appeared in the magazine released was from 1978, featuring Tiegs in a fishnet one-piece that showed off her nipples. At the time, the photo was said to be a “throwaway” and “not intended for publication,” but it was published anyway. Gasp!

Article content

Article content

Ashley Graham

Graham is considered by many as one of the most beautiful women working in the modelling business, but her size had some people sizing up her cover. While she serves as inspiration for many, Tiegs was not one of them, and said so during an interview in 2016 — Graham’s SI rookie year: “I don’t like that we’re talking about full-figured women because it’s glamorizing them… I don’t think it’s healthy.”

Article content

Yumi Nu

Graham, who also appeared on SI swimsuit covers in 2017 and 2018, paved the way for other plus-size models including Nu in 2022. Size, however, still mattered for many, including author Jordan Peterson, who described Nu as “not beautiful.” However, that tweet forced Peterson to quit Twitter after he was bombarded with an “endless flood of vicious insults.”

Article content

Halima Aden

Aden, a Somali-American model, graced the 2019 cover in a hijab and burkini – a big deal to some, while enraging others who wanted to see skin, skin and more skin. Her shoot was a far cry from the usual half-naked women getting sand in places no one wants sand. Considering all that she has overcome, the Somali-American model shrugged off the criticism.

Article content

Hannah Davis

Davis’ 2015 cover shocked many – in good and bad ways – as she posed with her thumbs hooking her bikini bottom so they sat dangerously low. The Washington Post asked if the cover went “too low,” was deemed “inappropriate” and “pornographic” by many, and the model was accused of being too sexy. Is there even such a thing?

Article content